Derby Historical Society dedicates Hull portrait at Humphreys' House

Derby Historical Society President Tim Dillon, right, speaks Sunday with Melissa Coury, an art and antique appraiser, at the dedication of a portrait of naval hero Commodore Isaac Hull.
The oil painting now hangs in the Gen. David Humphreys House, 37 Elm St., Ansonia.

Humphreys was a Revolutionary War hero, aide-de-camp to Gen. George Washington, ambassador to Spain, and later a successful businessman in what is present-day Seymour.


An anonymous donor presented the portrait of Commodore Hull to the Derby Historical Society, which is based at the Humphreys House.

Dillon said the historical society thrives because of the "many, many generous donors," and volunteers who make it a success. We're gratified (the donor) has donated the painting to us."


Coury, a New Haven resident, said, "I was very pleased to work with this painting."
She talked about a variety of "clues" she found in the portrait that have led her to believe it was painted in 1805-1806.

"This is what (Hull) looked like when he left town for the Navy," Coury said.

Close-up of the oil painting

The portrait was professionally cleaned, Coury said, and the gold-leaf frame was touched up. The artist is unknown.

Hull was born in Derby in 1773 and learned nautical skills from his sea captain father.
Read more about the background of the portrait it in an article on the Electronic Valley.

Commodore Hull commanded the U.S. frigate, the Constitution. He and his crew were victorious over the British frigate, the Guerriere, in a major battle during the War of 1812 and Hull was hailed as a hero.

Historical society holds annual appeal

ANSONIA - The Derby Historical Society is conducting its Annual Appeal. It is in great need of  financial help so members can continue to preserve and bring to life the rich and full history of the Lower Naugatuck Valley.

With help this year the Society will be able to:

• Continue its award-winning Day in 1762 education program
• Present enhanced exhibits and programs
• Ensure the care and growth of its historic collections
• Continue essential building maintenance and restoration projects

To kick off this year’s campaign, 100 percent of the Board of Directors have pledged nearly $5,000.

You can make a tax-deductible donation by sending a check to the Derby Historical Society, Attn: Annual Appeal, 37 Elm St., Ansonia, Ct. 06401.
 
200th anniversary of War of 1812




This year also marks the 200th anniversary of the War of 1812 and the Society will be holding a program at 4:30 p.m. Nov. 19 at Grassy Hill Lodge, 77 Sodom Lane, Derby to celebrate this historic anniversary.

Glenn Cantwell, author of the newest book on Commodore Isaac Hull, "America’s Captain of 1812," will be  featured speaker.
Jamie Cohen and the Cohen family will be receiving the Dr. John I. Howe Aaward that same evening.
Donors of $40 or more to the Annual Appeal will receive a complimentary ticket to the program.

For information or to purchase tickets to the program call 203-735-1908 or email info@derbyhistorical.org. 

The above information is taken from a release from the Derby Historical Society.

War of 1812 artifacts on display at Derby library

DERBY -  Military objects and prints from the Derby Historical Society's collection from The War of 1812 (also called the English-American war of 1812 and the Second War of American Independence) are on exhibit at Derby Public Library through Oct. 31.
The library is at 313 Elizabeth St.

The War of 1812 is often called the forgotten war, perhaps because neither the United States nor Great Britain truly won or lost. 
Within Connecticut and New England in general, support for the war was very uneven, and there was even talk of seceding from the union.
New Englanders felt they were being left out of major decisions and the blockade of American shipping ports by the British and the trade embargoes of Jefferson and Madison were having a drastic effect on their economy. 

At the Hartford Convention in 1814-1815, representatives from the region met to discuss amendments to the Constitution which would grant them more rights.

One of the war’s greatest heroes, Commodore Isaac Hull, who was born in Derby, became one of the most admired Captains in the fledgling American Navy. 
Hull’s encounter with the H.M.S. Guerrière while Captain of the U.S.S. Constitution provided one of the most enduring stories of the conflict.

On Nov. 19 the Society will hold its annual Thanksgiving Reception at Grassy Hill Lodge, 77 Sodom Lane, Derby. 
Glenn Cantwell, author of the forthcoming book, America's Captain of 1812, will be guest speaker.

For information, visit www.derbyhistorical.org
 
The David Humphreys House, 37 Elm St., Ansonia, home of the historical society, will be open for tours from 1-4 p.m. Monday, Columbus Day. Admission to the museum and research library is $5 for adults; $3 for seniors and children 8 - 16; free for children under 8.


The above is taken from a release from the Derby Historical Society.

Ceremony to mark issue of War of 1812 commemorative stamp

Historical Society slates event at Derby Public Library

DERBY - On Saturday the United States Postal Service is issuing a War of 1812: USS Constitution Forever stamp. 

The public is invited to attend the First Day of Sale Ceremony at 10:30 a.m. Saturday at the Derby Public Library, 313 Elizabeth St.
According to the USPS, “The War of 1812, sometimes called “the forgotten conflict,” was a two-and-a-half year confrontation with Great Britain that brought the United States to the verge of bankruptcy and disunion. With this stamp, the Postal Service begins a series commemorating the bicentennial of a war that ultimately helped forge our national identity and gave us our national anthem, “The Star-Spangled Banner.”

For the design of the first stamp in the series, the Postal Service selected a long-admired painting of the famed USS Constitution by Michele Felice Cornè, circa 1803.
Commodore Isaac Hull, who hailed from Shelton and Derby, took command in June 1810.  
Constitution acquired the nickname “Old Ironsides” during a victorious battle with HMS Guerriere in August 1812, two months into the war.
It scored another victory in December over HMS Java. These victories against the world’s mightiest Navy helped sustain American morale during a time the U.S. Army was suffering major setbacks.

The Derby Historical Society and the Connecticut Cover Club will each prepare envelopes bearing the new stamp -- which is being issued at the Constitution Dock in Boston the same day -- cancelled in Derby, CT. 

The Derby Historical Society envelope will reproduce the artwork they used for the 1947 Frigate Constitution stamp, while the Connecticut Cover Club will produce a design by Chris Calle, internationally-known stamp designer and artist. 

This program is being presented in collaboration with the Connecticut Cover Club, Derby Public Library, Fairfield County Postal Costumer Council, and the USPS. 

For information, contact the Derby Historical Society, 203-735-1908 or e-mail at  info@derbyhistorical.org. 

The above was taken from a press release from the Derby Historical Society, 37 Elm St., Ansonia.